Style Phase|Step 19 of 23
Add Greenery and Plants
Plants are the secret ingredient. They add color, texture, and organic shapes that make rooms feel finished and alive.
Time Required
30-60 minutes
Cost
$15-$100+ per plant
Difficulty
Easy
Living Room Plant Placement
Empty Corners
Large floor plant fills dead space. Fiddle leaf fig, bird of paradise, monstera. Instant life.
On Shelves
Small plants add color to bookshelves. Trailing pothos, small succulents. Break up books and objects.
Coffee Table
Low arrangement or small plant in pretty pot. Don't block conversation views.
Beside Sofa
Floor plant or plant stand next to seating. Softens the furniture edge.
Low-Light Survivors
- Pothos: Nearly impossible to kill. Trails beautifully. Tolerates neglect.
- Snake plant: Architectural, upright. Weeks without water. Low light champion.
- ZZ plant: Glossy leaves, modern look. Thrives on neglect. Drought tolerant.
- Philodendron: Heart-shaped leaves, vining. Very forgiving.
- Cast iron plant: Name says it all. Dark corners, no problem.
Faux Plant Guide
- Quality matters: Good faux plants exist. Look for realistic coloring, natural irregularities.
- Best for fake: Olive trees, eucalyptus, succulents, fiddle leaf. Hard to tell.
- Avoid: Cheap plastic shine, too-perfect leaves, obvious fake flowers.
- Mix real + fake: Real plants near windows, faux in dark corners.
- Dust them: Dirty fake plants look extra fake. Wipe leaves monthly.
Pro Tips
- •Upgrade the pot: Nursery pots are ugly. Slip into decorative cachepot.
- •Vary heights: Floor plant, table plant, hanging plant. Create layers.
- •Group in odd numbers: Three plants together looks better than two or four.
- •Consider pets: Many plants are toxic to cats and dogs. Research before buying.